Houthis Claim Responsibility for Ballistic Missile Attack on Saudi Oil Tanker

Yemen's Houthi group has claimed responsibility for targeting a Saudi oil tanker, NCC GHAZAL, with ballistic missiles. The attack allegedly forced the vessel to turn back and return in the direction it came from.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said that the tanker had ignored repeated warnings before being targeted. He stated that the group views the tanker as a violation of their maritime ban on Saudi-linked shipping, imposed last month due to what they describe as a Saudi blockade on areas under their control in Yemen.

The claim has not been independently verified, and there is no immediate comment from Saudi authorities or the vessel's operator. This incident follows recent claims by the Houthis that they targeted two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea with ballistic missiles and drones, alleging the attacks caused fires aboard the vessels.